Luka Skracic

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Luka Skracic

"Queenscliff Pier"

I had planned the night before to get up early and drive almost an hour away to Queenscliff, Australia, to see if i could catch a nice sunrise from that direction. When i got there it was cloudy and there was barely any colour in the sky, so i decided to go monochrome and i'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

-- from Luka Skracic - (?)

"The Coast is Always Changing"

A shot that i had been thinking of for a while but never had the right light and weather to do it justice.


-- from Luka Skracic - (?)

1. How long have you been involved in photography?

I've been shooting for about 4 years now, but only bought a DSLR about 2 years ago. Probably like most people i started with a simple "point and click" camera until i realised that this is actually really fun, so i kept shooting until i could afford my first "i mean business' camera.

2: Equipment you use?

That camera was the Canon 400D. I saved some cash and now have 2 lenses to go with it. The Tamron 17-50mm 2.8, and the Sigma 10-20mm 4-5.6. I love what the wide angle can do to a landscape. I also always carry a tripod and an ND filter. Will hopefully upgrade my camera at some point when i can afford to.

3: Mac or PC?

PC. I'm not cool enough for a mac.

4: What inspires you?

Weather, light, friends, family, other photographers...........Flickr!

5: Preferred subject matter?

It's gotta be landscapes and seascapes, i can't get sick of them. When the conditions are right you can capture some amazing scenes. I'll often revisit a location and see something new, whether it's just new angles or compositions, or details i previously missed. It's never easy getting out of bed at 6am on a weekend, but if it means i can get a clear sunrise behind a pier, then i'm in my car in a matter of minutes!

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

Hmm....anything supernatural! I would love some ufos to come whizzing by a landscape, or what about catching a ghost outside an abandoned cabin!?

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

I'm lucky to have a supportive bunch of flickr contacts who i've known from the start and met along the way that have helped me develop my skills and technique.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Ahh, none. I tend to just experiment with many shots. Trying different apertures, shutter speed, angles and photoshop treatments to find something i think suits what i was going for when i actually pulled the trigger. I am still learning a lot about what works and what doesn't.

9: Plans for the future?

Ah.. none at the moment, i usually don't think that far ahead, maybe one day i could have an exhibtion? We'll see what happens.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Wet!

Lilion

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Lilion


-- from lilion - (?)
..So came the afternoon and I got into my car to seek out some special place for my photo project … given the mood I was in, I did not find a thing, and half an hour later decided to head for home … some three minutes from home I came upon a group of kids who impeded my progress … I stopped and almost screamed... a lot of painted faces surrounded my car, some pressed against the windows. I got out of the car - whilst they took up several ‘frightening’ poses. I just kept ‘shooting’ and the play proved exciting as, without any prior plan, wherever I clicked the subjects just materialized, and I was drowning in the richness of the colours…

While reviewing my pictures, I got so terrified (as countless little devils overwhelmed my system) that I was on the point of erasing some 100 shots. It felt as I was under some strong spell and was no longer in control. From these shots the series of “Street Art” was born, a title only given to balance the pictures’ quite aggressive mood, which immediately brought my ambivalent feelings into equilibrium.

For me, this picture provided a meaning for the lot of them…”AFTER ALL, ITS ONLY A CHARADE !!! AS WE ALL HAVE THESE FACES!!!” in all of us there is both good and bad … it only depends on what we are looking for.


-- from lilion - (?)
if eyes are called the mirror of our soul, what hands can tell?

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I work with photography along all my professional career, but all the time I took pictures just for myself - traveling, visiting different places, meeting people, using good old 35 mm Pentax.
5 years ago I bought my first digital camera that helped me in my work. But I think it has been for a couple of years I am really involved in photography. I really don't know how it has happened. While working on others' photographs I just noticed that I was thinking, how I could have taken this picture, where I could have placed the accent or use the light. And just started shooting...

2: Equipment you use?

I used compact cameras for awhile, but in January I bought Pentax K10D with two lenses - 1:3.5-5.6 18-55 mm and
1:4-5.6 50-200 mm, and now I actually am learning this camera. But still use compact Sony DSC-N2.

3: Mac or PC?

Mac

4: What inspires you ?

Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but it is impossible to sit and to wait for when it will come. It is important to have a reason, to start action and inspiration will come.
After years of my professional carrier I understood that I have much more to impart, to pass, to tell, than just my graphic works... some feelings I own, something that exists in everyone, but not everyone notices it in the fussy of our life. All of us message something, and these messages leave signs... I want to discover and to show that every person is unique, that even insignificant or unimportant thing can be really beautiful.... I'd like to show invisible, you can call it „mysteries, specific things, secrets”... yes, that is – I want to learn these secrets or at least try to do it.
I still don't know how, making my timid attempts but I know that photography is all about it. When I see the shot on the screen of my computer I learn things that were concealed. I call it kind of revelation.

5: Preferred subject matter

Feelings, secrets, joy, pain, mental anguish, behaving... things that are hidden and the most exciting is to bring them from the depth to the surface.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

I've never thought about it... :)

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in

I have a very good and reliable friend, a "partner in crime":) on flickr. We (Anna&me:)) use to discuss our works, helping each other a lot.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Being a professional graphic designer I started with the first Photoshop version in 1989 and since that time have been using this program (CS3) and some times Lightroom as well.

9: Plans for the future

I am working on an interesting project, connected with visual arts, I have some ideas, hope I'll managed to realize them.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

It is mpossible....or I must steal the idea from Julian (Freelancevirtuoso), but I respect copyrights :)

Freelancevirtuoso

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Freelancevirtuoso


-- from freelancevirtuoso - (?)
A looking up view at the Getty Center in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The geometry that Richard Meier (architect) offers here is unbelievable. He bases much of this design on a 30” square pattern, replicated throughout the museum and [proportionally] exemplified here by the way this opening frames the sky. I have dedicated a lot of time to this particular site.


-- from freelancevirtuoso - (?)
To loom...

Here we see a detail of Frank Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. It is a study in composition. This piece is dear to me because it shows how Gehry can basically drop a towel on the floor and make a building out of it . Lines come and go and not only support a structure but create sensations as well as living space. Much is around us if we open our eyes, and I admire his capacity to look at things, simple things that may already exist but see them differently. I have been visiting this building about every two weeks for over a year now…and I am only scratching the surface.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I did a short stint in the late 70’s using a great Canon camera, the AT1 – black and white (TriX film), even bought an enlarger and had my own “lab” fun….but after a year I sold everything and moved on. This latest, all digital (and serious) phase took flight on February of ’07 – it has changed my life.

2: Equipment you use?
A Nikon D50 with a variety of regular Nikkor lenses, 18-55 mm, 55-200 mm, and for the last two/three months a Sigma 10-20.
However: as of April 29 I joined the Elite Nikon D300 club which I equipped with a superb lens for shooting what I love, architecture, the 14-24 f/2.8 G ED
The D50 package served me beautifully and I would and will continue to use it. It is not the size of the camera, but I am now looking at more pixels, and state of the art technology – this will enable me to take on a professional job if the opportunity presents itself. You have to stay ahead of the pack these days.

3: Mac or PC?
Mac…..all the way; it rules!

4: What inspires you?
Life itself - keep your eyes open, there is a lot out there. Every hour of the day offers a different light quality, texture, color...if you want to come back empty handed, go fishing in the dead sea.

5: Preferred subject matter
Architecture / architectural abstracts.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
The highest form of architecture: the female nude

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in
Well, you see…me and my gut have this close relationship…

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

PS Elements 4.0 and lately PSE 6.0...I am a total novice. But I am also a purist and the color correction, etc. of the Elements group have what I need.

9: Plans for the future
A showing of my photographs, getting a sponsor.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Instinctivewithafocusoncomposition – gee, some words are long!

(Erik)

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: (Erik)

I took this image in an abandoned house near our campsite in France where we stayed for the summer last year. I had to climb through an open window and could not believe my eyes...I still remember my pounding heart while I was taking the image...

-- from (Erik) - (?)

Making a spiral stair shot like this was a big wish of me. I did this one just 2 weeks ago in Barcelona, in the Sagrada Familia.

-- from (Erik) - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Throughout my life, I have been interested in photography but I was mainly taking pictures on holidays. About five years ago we bought a point and shoot camera and for some reason I hardly took images with it. Then, a year ago I bought a Pentax K100D and I was hooked right away.

2: Equipment you use?
I have a brand new Pentax K20D with:
- Sigma 18-50mm 1:2.8 EX MACRO,
- SMC Pentax-FA 1:4.5-5.6 80-320mm,
- Tamron SP AF Di 90mm 1:2.8 MACRO
- Rusian Peleng 8mm Fisheye.
- Benro tripod.

3: Mac or PC?
PC, but not for a particular reason.

4: What inspires you?
Light in buildings, light in nature...I guess it is just light...

5: Preferred subject matter?
Old beautiful buildings, preferably abandoned but if in use it is ok with me as long as they allow me to take photographs in there. I love old architecture with nice round shapes where light comes in from the most unexpected place...
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I just captured the spiral stairs in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. That was really a dream comes true. Currently, I have no particular wish...

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I have a few Dutch contacts who always tell me like it is when I upload a new image. For sure, they are not going to spare me. I like that kind of feed-back. It can be hard to hear that the picture you think is fabulous, is actually very bad but in the end they are always right...

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
As many here, I am a self-taught photographer. When I started photography again last year I did read a lot on light measuring, aperture and things like that. After I thought I knew enough on the matter I started to take picture with the camera in manual mode. Made me very creative...

9: Plans for the future?
Making an image that is truly beautiful without any manipulation in Photoshop.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Compositional?

Siljegarshol

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Siljegarshol

Reliable decision
I chose this because its a very personal picture with a strong personal story.
-- from siljegarshol - (?)

Watching it grow
I like the story it tells...and that its a different story for whoever views it.

-- from siljegarshol - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I have been actively taking pictures only for about a year, but I have always liked taking pictures. I started with macro shots exploring new worlds in my own apartment some years ago.

2: Equipment you use?
My equipment is a nikon coolpix 5000p a point and shoot camera and Nikon D40x.

3: Mac or PC?
I use a PC.

4: What inspires you?
My inspiration can be absolutely anything. But when I come over new techniques I explore them and go wild.

5: Preferred subject matter?
My preferred subjects are impossible to tell, it all depends on my mood and its what I strive for. I try and only take pictures of subjects that I feel has a strong relation to my personality and my own personal language.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
The one thing I really want to capture is actually a friend of mine. And its a portrait of him that I feel shows him truly. Not just a portrait but with a deeper sense to it.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
When I have doubts I just continue. This is all a personal journey and exploration. My doubts make me go further and all I can do is try and understand them and maybe solve them. But I guess I am more open to other peoples views on certain things when I am in this state. So unconsciously I guess its my fellow photographers and people around me.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I have learned everything I know on my own. I search the net, I ask people who know more..etc
Photoshop I learned the basics through school and the rest on my own. I sometimes use Photomatix witch I also learned on my own, but its a very easy program.

9: Plans for the future?
My plans ahead are as always uncertain. I am studying Industrial Design now and I know I will finish my 3 years and then decide after that. Most likely I will find a new location maybe Holland or Berlin and take my masters. All combined with photography :-)

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Exploration

Tarlyn

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Tarlyn

This one was the photograph I took that really changed things for me, and made me view my work in a completely different way. I had a friend who had a new baby and I wanted to create an image that had an iconic feel to it. A little like an oil painting, but also had a duality – A feel of the cycle of life – Youth and age or a hidden treasure. Borealnz picked up on this picture and it was icon of the day on TWTMEs
It was the first time any picture of mine had any kind of exposure. It spurred me on, and I will always be grateful

Strangely I am not sure how much I like it now, but it has been good to me.


My second choice is ‘Violin’. I took it very recently. My seven year old son plays the violin, and we were both interested in the idea of playing outside, and documenting it. I was interested in creating a photograph that had an emotional depth to it an a story within it. Also it was just wonderful to do. This is the kind of work I love doing. Taking what could be a domestic shot and transplanting it to a different and unexpected place.



1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I spent my career working in the creative arts – theatre, and film. After having had 3 children (now aged 7, 3 and 2) it was hard to do the time consuming creative work that I had been doing. I felt stuck; I not sure who I was anymore and not sure what to do about it.

18 months ago I picked up a camera and started to take pictures; it was like an epiphany. It was as if the very thing I had been searching for throughout my life was in front of me all the time. The camera, my eyes and mind met and since then I have become obsessed with taking photographs and learning to become a better at it. This is so much more than a hobby.


2: Equipment you use?
I have a two Holgas 135bc and 120CFN
Polaroid Joycam and Polaroid Izone and Polaroid 600
Nikon D70
Nikon D300 (new)
Nikkor 55mm
Nikkor 85mm 1.4
Nikkor 188mm-70mm kit lens
Tokina 12-24mm F4
Speedlight SB800
Phew!

3: Mac or PC?
Always has been and always will be a Mac

4: What inspires you?
Adverse weather conditions
Snow
Characterful people
Surprises
New leaves
Fresh paper
Faces
Snowstorms/domes
My family
Artists
Other Photographers
The northern lights
Light

5: Preferred subject matter?
Currently people
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I would love to do a series of photographs of older people in unusual locations. I’m also planning a photographic project with musicians.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I always have doubts about my art! Maybe it is what drives me.
I confide in my partner, and also JLM a who is on Flickr who I met through PictureThis.
www.flickr.com/photos/what_silence_looks_like/


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
None, I’m a self-taught photographer and photoshopper, and am always practicing.
I did get a degree in performance!!


9: Plans for the future?
I’m testing the water at present, taking risks and looking into becoming a pro photographer.


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Engaginglyeclectic

Ilikethenight

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Ilikethenight

After much deliberation,I chose this photo as my personal favorite.

Round Valley View



I chose this picture because it was so well liked by my family and friends and is my most viewed image on Flickr.

otherworldly



1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I bought my first camera in the mid-eighties,a Pentax LX. After a long hiatus, my interest in photography was renewed when my brother gave me a Sony DSC85 as a Christmas gift

2: Equipment you use?

.Canon 40D,Tamron17-50mmf2.8 zoom,and a Canon 70-300mm f4.5-f5.6 image stabilized zoom..

33: Mac or PC?

.PC

44: What inspires you?

.Light,and the way it can totally change the way a landscape looks at different times of the day.

5.5: Preferred subject matter?

Landscapes

6.6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

A perfectly composed and exposed image that satisfies me.

7.7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

My mother,brother Dave,and my friend Joan.

8.8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Self taught--photo magazines,etc.

9.9: Plans for the future?

To improve my technique and eventually sell some of my images.

1010: In one word, describe your photography.

Aspiring.

Silvia de Luque

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Silvia de Luque

Fishing Stars

At that time joined a wonderful light and the child fishing with a simple hook. This is one of my favorite photos.

Adagietto

It was an amazing moment. Storm clouds allowed to spend some rays of light illuminating the low clouds and the landscape. Was almost mystical ...

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I always had a camera in my hands, very bad most of the time, until the digital age. My father had a good Canon reflex, but never trusted me and I couldn't use it. On seeing him for so many years with "a jewel" in his hands provoked in me a logical desire for the forbidden. Now, we go out together to photograph each one with his camera, and mine is better! :-)))

2: Equipment you use?

At the moment I use a Canon EOS 350D with various lenses: Canon 18-55mm, Canon 55-200mm, and my two new toys: Sigma 10-20mm and Tamrom 28-300 f3.5-6.3 XR Di VC Macro. I will buy soon the Canon body EOS 40D


3: Mac or PC?

PC

4: What inspires you?

It's very difficult answer this question ... Any moment can be inspiring for me. Inspiration comes when I have my camera in hand, at that time I begin to see the world with photographic vision

5: Preferred subject matter?

The Sea, The Ocean no doubts. Every image is always different because it changes second to second.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

I must photograph still so many things ...

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

Especially in friends, they give me an objective view of my work. Many of them are also flickerties ... ;-)

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I try to learn everything about Photoshop and other programs (eg Photomatix). It's very useful to know all the tools that I can use later in my work


9: Plans for the future?

Travel, travel and travel to new places with my camera. The world is so big ...

10: In one word, describe your photography.

I want to freeze some moments forever, I don't want to forget anything.
(More than one word, I know…)

Farfarm

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Farfarm

Garçon, s'il vous plait

This picture i took at the Jardin du Luxembourg of a waiter in the little teahouse. Closing in on him taking pictures from him while he still was looking the other way....and than when he finally spotted me i got him..Yessssss... :)

Memorial landscape

This picture i took of the famous war memorial in Berlin, leaving the site and just than i discovered that lonely tree...which was the moment for a last quick shot....Yessssss.. :)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
When joining a photoclub in the year 2001 i discovered that photography is not only registrating the world but also trying to put something in a photo that does show more of ones own, personal way of viewing it. That moment was an eyeopener to me. And before that i always made slides or was filming.

2: Equipment you use?
.I use a Nikon D2x, and several zoomlenses. Sometimes i use a digital Leica pocketcamera.

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
Good photographic light is very inspiring to me and new surroundings on vacations.

5: Preferred subject matter?
I prefer to shoot at street...but have not a specific preferance...if the light is good i like all subjects.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that
you REALLY want to capture.
I like to take good photographs of one subject making a nice series of at least 12 but better 20 pictures...that will be a challenge for the future.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I have a very good friend, sparringpartner and great photographer on the web. Before posting we always confide in each others work.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Learnt photoshop and printing by just watching videotutorials, such an easy way to learn...for me.

9: Plans for the future?
Making a nice portfolio and having an opportunity to exhibit my prints....not only at friends or work.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
In one word describing my photography is impossible...but i strive for storytelling, layered pictures that have a nice composition at the same time...

Maya Newman

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Maya Newman

-- from Maya Newman - (?)


-- from Maya Newman - (?)

The first one "Missing the Summer" was one of my first ever lomo shots. Taken while being driven through Richmond park on my birthday on a beautiful sunny day.

The 2nd one is "I Want To Live In Brighton". Brighton has great light for taking pictures and I just love the seagulls. I like to catch them in mid air.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I got a pentax in the mid 80's, so since then.

2: Equipment you use?

My main camera these days is a a lomo LC-A, I'll use a Holga if the
conditions are good (bright and sunny). I only shoot on film.

3: Mac or PC?

Definitely Mac.

4: What inspires you?

Travelling always gives a fresh look on the world.

5: Preferred subject matter?

I'm quite obsessive in my choice of subject matter. I can shoot certain
things over & over like pylons, tall buildings, low flying planes, etc. I
have my LC-A with me all the time so I'm just looking and clicking all the time.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that
you REALLY want to capture.

I often see Water Towers and other industrial structures when I'm travelling past on a motorway or in a train but I can't really get close enough to shoot them.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

My husband Colin. He first showed me how to use a camera.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I've got a degree in fine art but my background is as a musician. I approach visual art in the same way I approach music. Instinctively.


9: Plans for the future?

I'm working towards a book which merges my loves of image making and music.


10: In one word, describe your photography.

Obsessive-hypnotic

~Geisha~

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: ~Geisha~

I chose this photo because The World Through My Eyes really welcomed it. It was one of my earliest, and was taken when i only had a point and shoot camera. At the time I was just starting on flickr, and playing around with photoshop elements. The response really encouraged me to continue and probably is to blame for my flickr addiction! lol...


Those who know my stream know this blue as 'geisha-blue' lol...
It's my favourite background, and has become a bit of a signature.
I also seem to have a thing for feathers, and this is one of my faves.


1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I really became interested in it when i discovered that the point and shoot that i bought in August 2006 had fantastic macro!
Then the addiction progressed to a DSLR in October 2007. So I am really only a newbie! :)

2: Equipment you use?

I don't use the point & shoot much now......but it is a Ricoh Caplio R4, and some of my most popular photos are from that camera.

Nikon D80
18-135mm Kit lens
Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED IF AF-S VR Micro
Hardly ever use a tripod.
Photoshop Elements 3

3: Mac or PC?

Mac 12" Powerbook

4: What inspires you?

I constantly see things on flickr that inspire me....so i would say the brilliant work of fellow photographers!

5: Preferred subject matter?

that's easy......flowers....feathers....coffee! lol...

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

I have chased many a ladybug.....but they keep running away from me!!!

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

I have a good friend (Acoustic Soul) who often comes on shoots with me, and we often talk about what might make a good shot.
My close flickr contacts are also great for advice technically, especially kktp, Streuth! and .: karenA :.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

ummm...........none......lol....

9: Plans for the future?

I am terrible at planning ahead...........but i plan to learn what my camera can really do! I feel like i've only scratched the surface so far...

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Only one???...........................'soft'

iPhotograph

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: iPhotograph


-- from iPhotograph - (?)
The first one was rather easy: It's my most fav'ed and commented picture (which I happen to like a lot, too):


-- from iPhotograph - (?)
The second one was much harder. I chose this picture of the local forest because I wanted to show that I not only take pictures of animals at the local zoo and I just loved the mood ...

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

1981 I got my first SLR. From then on I used it mostly on vacations. 2001, I bought my first digital camera and my interest in photography grew exponentially. 2004 i bought my first DSLR and photography is now my main hobby...

2: Equipment you use?

A Nikon D200 with some lenses from 10 to 340mm focal length. The details can be found on my profile page.

3: Mac or PC?

At work, I use a PC. At home I use Macs for about 16 years now. Currently, I have a MacPro with Photoshop CS3 and Lightroom for my photo editing.

4: What inspires you?

The world in front of my eyes.

5: Preferred subject matter?

Everything I can point my camera at. ;) I like going to the local zoo or sometimes I just take the camera with one lens with me when I walk my dog and then check out what I can 'find' with that lens.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

Someday I'd like to try some studio work (portraits).

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

I'll post at a german Nikon forum (Nikonpoint.de). They're very discriminating and will show me all the flaws I have missed. Or I'll post them to TMTME and watch for the comments ;)

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Autodidact. Recently, I found lynda.com and watched some video tutorials for PS CS3.

9: Plans for the future?

Taking more pictures, finding a reason to justify a 300/2.8, ...


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Aware.

ToniVC

FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHER: ToniVC
"Ancient Spirit (revisited)”. This was my first big Flickr success, and a picture that was the start of the processing style that made me known here.

-- from ToniVC - (?)

“Just a Flower”. I chose this one because it was my first published picture and I’m proud of it.

-- from ToniVC - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I started taking pictures regularly in June 2002, when I got my first digital camera from one of my relatives who let me use his own (a Canon PowerShot G2 compact camera). Before that I just had very sporadic contacts with analogic photography (always with very simple compact cameras), but having to wait (and pay!) for the results just made me stay away from photography. I just had no patience nor money…
The coming of digital cameras really was just what I needed! I could take any number of pictures for free! I could experiment without having to wait for the results and having to care about the number of shots I took… In 2003, coinciding with the birth of our first daughter, I bought a Canon PowerShot G3, and used it mainly for family shots. Progressively I started to do more “creative” shots, opened a Flickr account, bought a Canon PowerShot A640, started to play with PhotoShop… and here I am!
So, as you can see, I’m quite new to photography.

2: Equipment you use?
A bare Canon PowerShot A640 compact camera… and various software, mainly PhotoShop.

3: Mac or PC?
PC, but I’m not a Taliban on that subject, hehehe ;) I think that the tools are not so important: what really matters is the result.

4: What inspires you?
Anything I see and I like! I always carry my camera around and shoot whenever I can.

5: Preferred subject matter?
I actually don’t have a preferred subject because I tend to shoot anything I like, as I said before. But on Flickr I’m known for my old architecture shots. I also love doing macro photography.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Maybe any extreme weather phenomena, like a tornado, a big snowstorm or something like that.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I usually ask my wife :) (and sometimes I ask some Flckr friends too…)

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
None. I’m absolutely self taught on all photographic aspects, even edition. I’m continuously learning… and I assure you I have a lot to learn yet!

9: Plans for the future?
Buying a better camera, maybe a reflex one, and a great wide angle lens. But it should have a great LiveView mode and rotating LCD screen. I think I couldn’t be without it!

10: In one word, describe your photography.
I don’t think

Claypanpete

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER : Claypanpete

-- from claypanpete - (?)
I chose this because I think it is one of the most powerful images in my stream, and is an example of a new direction and appreciation for the stories of humanity. I used to avoid having people in photos.


-- from claypanpete - (?)
This I think shows my interest in natural abstracts, composition, and the planet generally, and is an example of why I picked up a camera in the first place.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
A looong time. Since the late 80s.
I worked for years as a guide throughout some of the most amazing natural areas in Australia and my camera was always part of my kit. I have only made the transition to digital in Late '05.

2: Equipment you use?
Canon 30D
Canon17-85mm
Canon 100-400mm
sigma 10-20mm

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
Waking up is generally pretty inspiring. My Woman Kira. My Son Xaver. The area I live and the people who dwell there. My sister Sandy is a fine photographic inspiration. This is really trick question which I will sum up by saying err,,,,, life.

5:Preferred subject matter?
Landscape and the stuff I notice within it with an abstract slant, although humanity is becoming as important. I enjoy the adrenalin of street photography and the challange of capturing a glimpse of the soul of the street, though I dont feel I have yet.
Studio work and structured photography will probably remain a mystery.
To spend days out bush with camera, swag, simple food and a billy is as good as it gets.

6:Name one thing you havn't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture?
All those elusive moments I see with my eyes but miss with the viewfinder or shutter for one reason or another. I am not aware of anything specific.

7: When in doubt about your art who do you confide in?
I don't take it too seriously. Probably because I don't rely on it,,,,,,yet, but Kira is a great believer in what I do and is an honest critic so that is sure to help. The work I sell is mostly seen and purchased on the spot rather than the pressure of assignments.

8:Qualifications/Training in anything? ie Photoshop?
self taught with the help of different people over the years. Still learning.
Photoshop is a mountain to climb!

9:Plans for the future?
get my first exhibition off the ground. learn photoshop to an acceptable standard.

10:In one word describe your photography.
Me.

Bolandrotor

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Bolandrotor


-- from bolandrotor - (?)


-- from bolandrotor - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

- I started 6 years ago, then I had brake (my camera wa stolen,the only cannon I had:)
and in 2003 after buying first digital cam it started for good

2: Equipment you use?

-I used to use nikon coolpix 5200, which gave a huge pleasure to me,but I was missing few functions....and lenses so I bought nikon d70.
As for glassI have nikkor 20mm, nikkor 28-100(how I hate it) and I was using fantastic russian Zenitar fisheye 16 but I didin't own it haha!

3: Mac or PC?

- PC but I'm not proud of it :)

4: What inspires you?

-travelling,F.K.Dick ,A.Jodorowsky ,commercials, stimulants,elektro, animals, Roland Topor, deep sleep and legends

5: Preferred subject matter?

-well it would be a man in his unnatural enviroment:)
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

-O my, I would like to capture some natural force phenomena in the city....it's a kind of obsession

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

-I think I'm not involved in photography that much to have doubts hahaha,, if I will...I'll stop


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

-self-taught with a significant help of kind friends in knowing the photoshop. the only training I had


9: Plans for the future?

-First of all break away from the Krakow, meet the nature, see no people....breath


10: In one word, describe your photography.

- "bumpy", it's a good word

Microabi

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Microabi

-- from microabi - (?)


-- from microabi - (?)


1. How long have you been involved in photography?
I've always enjoyed taking photos but mainly when on holiday but then I was given a holga on my 30th and I just haven't been able to stop!

2: Equipment you use?
my current count is 13 different cameras...i have a many old medium format film cameras brought at markets, a few holgas, a couple of polaroids and my canon 400d. I’m obsessed and passionate – quite a dangerous combination in any individual, let alone a photographer!

3: Mac or PC?
. PC but I'd love a mac one day – anyone want to buy me one?

4: What inspires you?
a sunny day, living by the sea, my friends, bright colours, my love for travel and visiting new places- there are so many things I could mention!

5: Preferred subject matter?
I'd have to say give me a beach, blue sky and my holga and I'm always happy.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I am the point where I really want to take a good self portrait that reflects a lot about who and what I am. Something that reflects as much about the internal workings of my mind as well as my outer appearance.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
. My contacts on flickr. There are so many of my friends who have been so great and inspiring with their comments and advice. I'm not going to mention anyone specifically as I'm bound to leave someone out but you know who your are!

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
None - self taught, so still make lots of mistakes. Though I guess a mistake isn’t a mistake if I learn something from it!

9: Plans for the future?
Just to continue with taking photos - if it becomes more than a hobby than great but if not then I its something I love doing

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Holgatastic

D. James

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: D. James


-- from D.James | Darren Ryan - (?)
I chose this first photo because I just love how each color plays off of the others and the softness of the pattern, for me it adds an element of electricity and intrigue to the image.


-- from D.James | Darren Ryan - (?)
I love architecture, so I thought I would share this second shot. In many ways, this building is very simple and utilitarian. Almost a literal box. But if you look deeply at the lines, the details, the light, the shadows and the colors, it becomes more than just a box; it takes on a rhythm, or better yet a life of some sort. This shot is a very simply study of what many folks see (or ignore) as an unattractive box.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Since I was about 6 years old. My dad was an avid photographer, so he always had his camera and I was always his little assistant. As I grew up, he taught me so much, from the technical aspects of photography to darkroom techniques and of course digital photography. He passed away in 2001 and I didn’t shoot anything for the next 5 years or so. In 2006, I picked up the camera again, found Flickr and have been working again ever since!

2: Equipment you use?
Canon and Sony, although I really prefer my Sony. Not much of a gear head here so I won’t list everything down to the color of my camera bags. I definitely feel that it’s not necessarily about the gear, it’s about the skills that one brings to the camera!

3: Mac or PC?
PC…um…no further comment.

4: What inspires you?
All kinds of things inspire me! There are some really awesome Flickr folks that are very inspirational. I love color, lines, structure and composing images, but where I find the most inspiration is just looking around me at the things I see every day and learning how to interpret them differently or to look through them and see something different.

5: Preferred subject matter?
I prefer to shoot inanimate objects and try to give them energy and life. I also love to hunt down great color!!

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
A great portrait of my pack (the beagles and me). I am awful with portraits anyway so maybe I will leave that up to some Flickrite who rocks portraits and can handle the challenge! Any takers!? =)

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My cameras. I know that sounds really silly, but it’s true. My photography is very personal for me so I tend not to share unless I am fully confident in the work.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I am a creative director by trade, so from a professional standard I am quite familiar with many editing and design programs, although Photoshop is by far my favorite tool.


9: Plans for the future?
This one is a tough one because who knows what the future holds! I know that If my eyes and hands still work, I will be shooting!


10: In one word, describe your photography.
This one is the toughest because I really don’t know what I would call it in one word. Since I couldn’t come up with something on my own, I asked a few of my Flickr friends to help me out and they struggled to come up with just one word too! So I thought I would share some of what they came up with:

Stunning, vibrant, imaginative, abstract, inspiring, stupendous, riveting, captivating, magnetic, charismatic, complex, frame-worthy, contrast, magical, DeJaArt, futuristic, colorful, superb, geometric, architectural, caring, decadent, textural, alluring and visionary.

I know, more than one word, but whew, do I have some of the absolute best Flickr friends in the world or what!

Eplefat

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Eplefat


-- from eplefat - (?)
I don't have any favorite photos, it's just some photos I like better than others. This one of Solveig is shot some weeks ago. What I like about it is that you can see some kind of expression behind her hair, but it's hard to figure exactly what. I just hope that someone will discover Solveig and her talent someday. She is awesome!


-- from eplefat - (?)
This is Kamilla, the fur coat belongs to her grandma. I had a desperate try to make it look more feminine and interesting by shaping it like her hips. What I like about this is her expression against the styling. She looks so good with long hair.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

The day my father bought the Canon EOS 350D, my interest in photography started growing. It took about 9 months before I created my Flickr profile. At that time, my photography was simply all about capturing something special, or something that was pure and beautiful in my opinion. Photography wasn't my biggest interest back then, I was planning to keep up with graphics design or interior design. Things changed when I got my 50mm f/1.8 lens for christmas in 2006, and after two months I started with portraiture. With lots of inspiration from Lara Jade Coton and similar portraiture photographers at my age, my interest in portraiture just grew. Now I've had my 50mm for about a year, and now I'm kinda in need of a new one, mine is well used.

2: Equipment you use?

98% of my photos is taken with the EOS 350D (Digital Rebel XT). Recently I bought a EOS 40D, and now I only shoot in RAW, which I never did with the 350D. I mostly use my 50mm f/1.8 and my 85mm f/1.8 portraiture lenses for my photos, mostly because of the DoF they make.

3: Mac or PC?

I've used Macs for about seven years now. I love them, they inspire me. I think that's all there is to say.

4: What inspires you?

What inspires me is the hardcore experimental fashion. I love looking through old editorials from Italian Vogue for inspiration. I also admire the works of some really good photographers at my age, their style and their processing work inspire me a lot.

5: Preferred subject matter?

I would say fashion, but I'm also into capturing different moods of things and people. I love to use my camera as a way of communicating a mood or a very strong expression. I'm very fascinated by the fashion industry as you probably know by now.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

I never plan my personal photoshoots, and that's something I want to do more. I want to make a specific theme/setting and plan every detail from make-up to background details. I think that this will help me to focus more on the pure photography part than the other involved stuff. So, that's something I haven't captured yet, and I would very much like to do it. But, to answer the question, there is a lot of "things" i would love to capture, and by "things" i mean models. Right now Alice Gibb is on the top of my wishlist, but I could keep on for hours just writing a list of models I would have loved to shoot.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

I often take some time without personal projects, to focus on the commissions I get, like family/children portraiture and other. Mostly because it is "boring" work, where I don't actually need to be so creative. When I take a little time off, my mind gets inspiration from things I see in daily life and at school and such.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Fact is, I'm totally self-taught. For about 5 years I've been messing around in photoshop, and you sure do learn something from that. I'm self-taught when it comes to photography too. It would have been nice to have friends with a similar interest in photography that I have.

9: Plans for the future?

I'll probably finish high-school first, and try to develop my art a lot while I have the time and live with my parents. Then I'm going to live in Oslo for some time, supposedly to become an intern with a great photographer. My dream is to study at Brooks Institute of Photography in California for some years, and I'll probably to that if I get the money. After that I want to have my own fashion studio in New York. Ok, so it seems like it's all kinda planned.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

I think it's a quite impossible task to describe my photography in one word. A lot of my photos looks like a frozen moment, with a frozen expression.

Lars Van de Goor

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Lars Van de Goor

1. when the leaves start talking, i will be silent

-- from Lars van de Goor - (?)
What i like about this image is that although i did some editing, i did'nt had to do too much about it.
I had shot some pictures in the forest and was focused on some sunrays. At home i discovered the shape of a face in the leaves.
I love editing, but nothing can beats "Mother Nature" !

Towards the Light

-- from Lars van de Goor - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

Music was my first love and photography seems to be the latest :-)
Am i a musician taking pictures or a photographer making music.
Anyway I like to create!
I am involved in photography since march 2007

2: Equipment you use?

I have a Panasonic DMC FZ 50, which has everything on board for an amateur who wants to learn to shoot manually and develop his skills.
For post-processing, I use Aperture and i have an old version of Photoshop elements "3.0."
In the future i would like to work with CS3, because i like the post work as much as the shooting itself.

3: Mac or PC?

iMac 24"

4: What inspires you?

I get inspired by almost anything. Like you can see in my stream, there is a great variety.
The moment you look true a camera, you look at your surrounding in an other way. For me it's like discovering the world again,...and again..
And of course all the photographers here on Flickr, we all inspire and get inspired by each other,...so wonderful!


5: Preferred subject matter?

I am a sucker for perspective and I like to shoot objects from a uncommon angle.
When it's bad weather, i search for small objects in my house and try to make them look interesting.
And i love to take pictures of animals.

.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

I really want to capture people on the street, "a caught in the act situation" not from a distance, but close by. A frozen moment that shows a story that can be told in many ways!



7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

When i am in doubt i first create a distance, try to look at it as if it were not my pictures. But that's not so easy.
Put it aside and look at it a couple of days later. And i can always ask my children 16 & 11.
They almost always pick without hesitation the one they think is the best :-)


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Never had any training, i would like to do a training in PS


9: Plans for the future?

I have a fulltime job, therefore less time for photography!
So, my plan would be to create more time and
really dive in Photography and Photoshop and who knows, make a living out of that :-)


10: In one word, describe your photography.

To answer this is as difficult as choosing two of my pictures showing up here.
At this moment i would just say : Dreamlike
I did not found out yet if i have a particular style, i better leave that to others :-)

Kim Denise

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Kim Denise

I've chosen two images that appear side-by-side in my photostream. The first shows my fascination with post-processing and montage-making, driven by a desire to create the most painterly images possible. The second shows my fondness for making painterly images in-camera, without any post-processing beyond levels adjustments. I love playing with shallow depth-of-field and bokeh effects. Perhaps it's my lack of quality lenses, or maybe it's the fact that I paint in a very realistic style and need some relief from it, but I enjoy making soft, mysterious, dreamlike images that suggest rather than tell. Both images show my love for the frozen moment, that brief glimpse from the corner of your eye that evokes a mood or a memory.

-- from Kim Denise - (?)


-- from Kim Denise - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I've been involved in photography for about a year and a half. I bought my DSLR so I could take better photos of my paintings, and I got so hooked on photography and Flickr that I didn't paint at all for over a year. Now I'm back at the easel again, and I am a better painter because of the lessons photography has taught me.

2: Equipment you use?
I have a Nikon D50, a wonderful Nikkor 50mm/f 1.8 lens, and an inexpensive Tamron 18-200mm/f 3.5-6.2 macro zoom. It's interesting how the equipment has affected my work. The 50mm/f 1.8, with its sharpness, fine control over DoF, and lush bokeh, encourages me to take the sorts of dreamy images I enjoy. The Tamron, with its regrettable lack of sharpness, does the same. For post-processing, I use Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0. Oh, and I have an old tripod of my dad's that gets a lot of use.

3: Mac or PC?
I use a PC. Not that I wouldn't love to have a Mac someday!

4: What inspires you?
I am inspired by other artists, here on Flickr and elsewhere. I am inspired by music, the radio news, chance comments and barely-seen scenes between people. I am constantly inspired by those brief flashes of time where all the sensory elements converge to create a sense of something larger than the moment. In fact, I live for those brief flashes. The connectedness and immanence and heightened awareness experienced in those fleeting seconds are really a spiritual experience for me.

5: Preferred subject matter?
The everyday. I can't walk by the dish drainer without wanting to take a photo of it, LOL. I am fascinated by the play of light on the various surfaces in my home and I often have to stop myself from getting the camera or I would be late for work! I'm a fool for reflected light and color...and of course, I can't resist photographing my cats. I am drawn to shape, color and mood more than to particular subjects (except the cats), and I especially love images that capture how a moment feels, rather than just how it looks.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
That thing I talk about in #4. I'll be chasing it always...but the satisfaction is in the pursuit.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Flickr friends, other artist friends...but mostly, I just keep working. The skills acquired making unsuccessful images are just as important as those acquired making our most exciting and successful ones. In fact, we learn more from our mistakes.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I'm self-taught.

9: Plans for the future?
My focus right now is on painting. My work is selling well and I have another show to prepare for. Since I work full-time outside the home, this doesn't leave me much time for anything but the easel. I don't have a lot of aspirations for selling my photography at this point, although I certainly wouldn't mind it! At some point, I'd like to get the real Photoshop and take classes with an expert. And I definitely want some better lenses!

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Magical? I'd love it if that word could really describe my photography. It's more of a goal than an actuality at this point.